$261 Million in New Federal Funding will Fund Projects Throughout all Five Boroughs

Projects will Create or Preserve Approximately 32,000 Jobs

All Federal Stimulus Funding Allocated to New York City can be Closely Tracked Online

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the City’s selections for infrastructure projects that will benefit from $261 million of federal transportation funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Projects in all five boroughs will benefit from the influx of federal stimulus funding, supplementing the City’s current Capital Plan – already the largest in City history. The Bloomberg Administration is using the stimulus funding to support key economic development initiatives across the city. The total value of the transportation projects benefiting from stimulus funding is $1.1 billion and the projects are expected to create or preserve approximately 32,000 jobs throughout New York City. Construction will begin on stimulus funded projects as early as this spring. The Mayor was joined at the announcement by U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner, Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler, who is coordinating the City’s stimulus spending, Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan and elected officials.

“Our commitment to infrastructure has been the largest in City history so we have not been waiting for outside help, but the economic downturn forced reductions in the City’s ambitious construction plans,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The federal stimulus dollars mean that we can move projects that would have been on the chopping block and get shovels in the ground quickly – putting thousands of people to work and rebuilding our infrastructure. I want to thank President Obama and our congressional delegation for delivering this critical funding to New York City.”

A total of six projects will receive direct stimulus funding. The existing funding in place for those projects will be used to support 25 projects that did not have adequate funding to move forward at this time.

“It is now time to put shovels in ground and get to work on these projects so New Yorkers can go back to work,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “These critical projects will create jobs, upgrade our aging infrastructure, and create economic engines for the entire city. This is exactly why we passed the stimulus and it is just what the New York economy needs right now. I want to thank the Mayor and his team for working so quickly to utilize the stimulus money that I, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Rangel and the entire Congressional delegation fought so hard to deliver for New York.”

“Today is emblematic of what Congress had envisioned when we passed President Obama’s economic recovery plan. We are putting New Yorkers to work with strategic investments in vital infrastructure that will help spur economic development, create over 30,000 jobs and grow small businesses,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “I applaud the Mayor for his leadership in doubling down the infrastructure investments in the City and am proud to be working with my colleagues in the Congressional delegation to ensure this is just a down payment on all the money the federal government owes this City.”

“Talk about a multiplier effect: a $261 million federal investment plus the City’s creativity in using it will leverage more than a billion dollars of improvements to our roads and bridges and create 32,000 jobs,” said U.S. Representative Carolyn B. Maloney. “These transportation investments will boost our city’s economy and benefit entire communities, not just drivers. I thank President Obama, Mayor Bloomberg, Chairman Rangel and all my colleagues in the New York Congressional delegation for their leadership in delivering this much-needed funding for our city.”

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which the New York delegation worked so hard to pass, was intended to create jobs and ease the burden on our localities,” said U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner. “Today we see the real concrete benefits of the bill for all 5 boroughs.”

“The DOT is ready to implement these critical projects, which will ensure the future economic development and growth of the City,” said Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “The City prospers when its infrastructure is maintained and expanded. We are investing not only in industries right now through job creation, but in the roads, bridges and transportation that will keep them thriving.”

“We welcome the arrival of federal stimulus funds that will leverage local resources to invest in our infrastructure and help maintain employment in our industry,” said Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera. “We must now continue working toward the much larger and longer-term commitments we need from Albany and Washington to secure a future of sustainable and strong economic growth.”

The City has worked closely with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council and will be working with the Office of the Governor to finalize project approvals.

Spurring Economic Growth

According to U.S. Department of Transportation estimates, the $1.1 billion invested in the projects listed below, including stimulus and other funding, will result in the creation or preservation of approximately 32,000 jobs. The estimate includes construction-related positions and jobs created by the economic benefit of the new construction-related employees spending their earnings.

A key portion of the City’s five-borough economic plan centers around making investments in neighborhoods across the City that will continue to create jobs long after construction is completed. Many of the projects chosen for stimulus funding were selected to meet that economic goal.

“We completed a careful analysis of potential projects in order to maximize job creation, so the projects we chose fit into our overall job creation strategy,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The improvements we’re making will stimulate greater economic opportunity and create more jobs once they’re completed.”

Projects that will spur economic activity after construction is completed include:

Completing upgrades to the St. George Ferry Terminal retail plaza. Infrastructure will be upgraded to allow for the completion of over 20,000 square feet of retail space in the terminal, which will complete the renovation of the St. George Ferry terminal, which serves 30,000 local residents and over 60,000 riders daily.

Creating a greenway at Hunts Point in the South Bronx, which will increase waterfront access, create a connection from the South Bronx to the recreational facilities at Randall's Island, and improve Food Center Drive transportation access – all aiding economic growth in the area.

Improvements to Long Island City Queens Plaza that will convert the central business district into a major boulevard with new sidewalks and landscaping to spur foot traffic, increasing economic activity in the area.

Accountability and Transparency

In order to maintain accountability and transparency in the City’s use of stimulus funding, all federal stimulus funding allocated to New York City can be closely tracked at www.nyc.gov. The “Stimulus Tracker” currently lists the transportation projects supported by stimulus funding, including project descriptions, a map of project locations, funding amounts, and the City agency managing each project. Funding for additional projects and programs will be tracked as it becomes available.

“New Yorkers want major investments in infrastructure, but they want to know their money is being spent wisely,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We’ve made all City stimulus spending available online, so the public can hold City government accountable for the efficient and cost-effective use of stimulus dollars.”

The Stimulus Tracker will soon contain additional detail and interactive features, including report cards on project status, tracking reports to follow the progress of contracting and expenditures and enhanced mapping of individual project locations.

Six Projects Receiving Direct Stimulus Funding

Rehabilitation of Saint George Ferry Terminal Ramps

Description: The rehabilitation will address significant wear and tear on seven ramps that carry bus and passenger car traffic in and out of the terminal by providing new decks, eliminating joints where feasible, and replacing deteriorated steel. The current structure suffers from very rough riding conditions, leaking joints, poor drainage, insufficient lighting, and pigeon infestation. Replacing the ramps now will reduce the need for increasing levels of maintenance investment on the existing structure. The terminal handles more than 60,000 passengers a day using ferry service. In addition to the ferry service, the terminal also includes an MTA bus station serving 23 lines, the St. George Staten Island Railway Station, and three commuter parking lots within the project limits.Total Project Cost: $175 millionDirect Stimulus Funding: $175 millionPre-Stimulus Funding: $175 City Capital FundsFunding Displaced to Other Projects: $175 millionConstruction Bid date: Winter 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2013

Rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge

Description: The ramps leading to the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn and Manhattan will be rehabilitated and widened and the entire bridge will be repainted. The improvements to the ramps, which are in poor condition, will improve traffic conditions, particularly from the FDR Drive and the repainting will prevent steel corrosion and repairs for decades to come. More than 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians and 2,600 bicyclists cross the Brooklyn Bridge every day.Total Project Cost: $382 millionDirect Stimulus Funding: $47.2 millionPre-Stimulus Funding: $382 million City Capital FundsFunding Displaced to Other Projects: $47.2 millionConstruction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Summer 2012

Upgrades to the Ward’s
Island Pedestrian Bridge

Description: The project will improve pedestrian access to Ward's Island from East Harlem through a complete mechanical and electrical rehabilitation, including replacing of complete tower drive machinery, providing new reinforced concrete deck, repairing concrete substructure, providing utility supports for new utilities, installing a new joint system and new drainage system, replacing rocker bearings with new elastomeric bearings, and providing a new back-up generator and new access platform for the tower bearings. The island recreational facilities are currently undergoing a $100 million upgrade and this bridge is a vital link in accessing those facilities, which include Icahn Stadium and dozens of new ball fields. The project will improve pedestrian safety and durability and extend the useful life of the existing bridge.Total Project Cost: $14.3 millionDirect Stimulus Funding: $14.3 millionPre-Stimulus Funding: $14.3 City Capital FundsFunding Displaced to Other Projects: $14.3 millionConstruction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Winter 2012

Rehabilitation of 12 Roadway Bridges

Description: Rehabilitation of deteriorated components of 12 bridges throughout the City to extend their useful life by 10 years. Rehabilitation work will address concrete abutments, piers and columns, bearing replacements, resurfacing steel repairs and waterproofing. The following bridges will be rehabilitated:

East 174th St.
Pedestrian Bridges North and South over the Sheridan Expressway (Bronx)

Description: Replacement of the protective coating on two Bruckner Expressway Bridges over the Bronx River. Lead-based paint will be replaced with a lead-free protective coating. The new coating will protect the structural steel from further corrosion, extending the useful life of the structures by 20 years.Total Project Cost: $8.8 millionDirect Stimulus Funding: $8.8 millionPre-Stimulus Funding: $8.8 million City Capital FundsFunding Displaced to Other Projects: $8.8 millionConstruction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Winter 2012

Rehabilitation of the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge over Newtown Creek (Greenpoint/Blissville)

Description: The rehabilitation of the bridge will result in reduced maintenance costs and extend the useful life of the structure by 10 years. Approximately 24,000 vehicles per day use the Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, which connects Brooklyn and Queens. The upgrades included replacing the concrete bridge deck on the movable span of the bridge, sealing roadway joints, replacing damaged steel deck supports, and milling, resurfacing and waterproofing the roadway. The rehabilitation will create a smoother and safer trip for drivers and pedestrians.Total Project Cost: $6 millionDirect Stimulus Funding: $6 millionPre-Stimulus Funding: $6 million City Capital FundsFunding Displaced to Other Projects: $6 millionConstruction Bid: Fall 2009Estimated Completion: Winter 2011

25 Projects Receiving Displaced Funding

BRONX

Improvements to Hunts Point

Description: Improvements to facilitate the safe movement of trucks, cars, bicycles and pedestrians throughout Hunts Point and integrate the South Bronx into the regional greenway system. The project will create a greenway in Hunts Point and Port Morris to help improve air quality, encourage recreation and reduce pollution in an area plagued with high asthma and obesity rates. The project include the Lafayette Avenue streetscape, Hunts Point Landing waterfront access, creating a connection from the South Bronx to the recreational facilities at Randall's Island, Food Center Drive transportation improvements, and new complementary greenway improvements. Total Project Cost: $48.9 million
Displaced Funding Received: $22 millionOther Funding: $16.7 million City Capital Funds, $6.8 million State Funding, $3.4 million Federal FundingConstruction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2012

Reconstruction of Paulding Avenue (Bronxwood)

Description: Reconstruction of the roadway to improve the deteriorated street and curbs, installation of pedestrian ramps, sidewalks, and street lighting, and repairs to the water main and sewer utilities. The proposed work is in a densely populated residential area and the improved streetscape will increase the overall attractiveness of the avenue and nearby areas, improving residential and retail markets.Total Project Cost: $21 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $21 millionOther Funding:$0Construction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2014

Reconstruction of the Claremont Parkway Bridge (Bathgate)

Description: Reconstruction to extend the life of the bridge by 40 years. The existing superstructure will be replaced with new prefabricated concrete box beams and cast in-place reinforced concrete deck slab. The substandard guard rail and picket fence railings with chain link fence will be replaced by three-rail railing and galvanized wire mesh fences behind the railings. Existing substructure will be rehabilitated, substandard vertical profile will be modified and approach roadways will be reconstructed.Total Project Cost: $7.0 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $7.0 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Winter 2009Estimated Completion: Summer 2012

Reconstruction of the Decatur Ave Retaining Wall (Bedford Park)

Description: Reconstruction of the 153 foot long Decatur Avenue retaining wall, located on Decatur Avenue between East 195th and East 197th Streets. The project will improve the retaining wall along Decatur Avenue, which is currently in deteriorated condition, along Decatur Avenue and will increase safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic.Total Project Cost: $7 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $7 millionOther Funding: $0 millionConstruction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2011

Improvements to Hugh Grant Circle (Parkchester)

Description: The project will improve access to the elevated MTA number 6 Train entrance for the Parkchester/East 177th Street Station, which is situated in the middle of the rotary and requires pedestrians to cross up to four lanes of traffic to access the station. Hugh Grant Circle is located at the nexus of Metropolitan Avenue, Westchester Avenue and Virginia Avenue with the elevated number 6 train entrance above it and the Cross Bronx Expressway running below it. Approximately 4.4 million riders board at this stop annually. The project includes sidewalk expansions and enhancements to reduce crossing distances to the station and improve traffic flow in the area.Total Project Cost: $3.5 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $3.5 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Fall 2009Estimated Completion: Summer 2011

BROOKLYN

Improvements to Brooklyn Navy Yard

Description: The project will reconstruct several roadways in the Navy Yard area and upgrade water and sewer systems. Morris Avenue, Sands Street, and 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Streets will be reconstructed. The new roads will allow for the reopening of the historic Sands Street gate; providing more efficient pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle access to the Navy Yard, including better access to the A/C/F Trains; add much need parking; facilitate additional industrial development; and improve water conservation, storm water run-off management and landscaping.Total Project Cost: $35.4 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $4.7 millionOther Funding: $30.7 million City Capital FundsConstruction Bid: March 2009 Estimated Completion: Summer 2011

Streetscape Improvements to Flatbush Avenue (Flatbush)

Description: Streetscape improvements along Flatbush Avenue from Tillary to Hanson Place, including new street and pedestrian lights, an elevated landscaped median in the street, and new pedestrian crosswalk refuges at medians. The project also includes sewer and water main upgrades. The project will create a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere for one of Brooklyn’s major thoroughfares and support additional private development in the area.Total Project Cost: $23 million Displaced Funding Received: $3.5 millionOther Funding: $19.5 million City Capital FundsConstruction Bid: April, 2009Estimated Completion: June 2011

Reconstruction of Nassau Avenue and Monitor Street (Greenpoint)

Description:Reconstruction of deteriorated roadway on Nassau Street from Bedford Avenue to Apollo Street and on Monitor Street from Greenpoint Avenue to Nassau Avenue. Improvements will be made to pavement, curbs, and sidewalks, and access will be increased to commercial establishments along Manhattan Avenue and Nassau Avenue, the MTA subway line, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.The project will also improve drainage and reduce disruptive flooding. The improvements to this growing commercial district will make the area even more attractive and encourage more access and commercial activity in the area.Total Project Cost: $15 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $12.9 millionOther Funding: $200,000 City Capital Funds, $1.9 Federal FundingConstruction Bid: Winter 2010Estimated Completion: Fall 2011

Reconstruction of Coney Island Boardwalk

Description: Reconstruction of crumbling portions of the deteriorated boardwalk. The current boardwalk is structurally unsound in some areas and constantly requires “band-aid” repairs or partial reconstruction. The reconstruction will be done using sustainable materials that have a lower carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs and will reduce future deterioration to unsafe conditions. Reconstruction work will take place from West 31st to West 37th Street, West 15th Street to Stillwell Avenue, and Surf Avenue / Ocean Parkway to Brighton 2nd. Maintaining a state of good repair along the boardwalk will help ensure the health of local tourism and recreation industries.Total Project Cost: $15 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $15 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Description: The reconstruction will address deficiencies and substandard features, bring the bridge into compliance with current safety standards, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the useful life of the bridge. The improvements will improve traffic flow and pedestrian and vehicular safety. The current structure is 67 years old.Total Project Cost: $14 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $14 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: 2/13/2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Reconstruction of Eastern Parkway (Prospect Heights)

Description: Reconstruction of the roadway from Washington Avenue to Grand Army Plaza to improve the street, which is currently in deteriorated condition, and improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicular traffic. The reconstruction will reduce the frequency of future resurfacing and repair work, which can cause lane closures. The project will improve access to several cultural, recreational and educational institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, the Brooklyn Public Library, and Prospect Park.Total Project Cost: $12 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $6 millionOther Funding: $6 million City Capital FundsConstruction Bid: Fall 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2012

Improvements to Bedford Stuyvesant Gateway Business District

Description: A streetscape project designed to increase consumer traffic in the heavily congested area and to support the attraction of new and diverse businesses to the neighborhood. The project will construct new sidewalks – using specially designed, tinted concrete – reconstruct curbs, and add additional street light poles. The project encompasses the commercial heart of the community, including Fulton Street, from Classon Avenue to Troy/Lewis Avenue, and Nostrand Avenue from Halsey Street to Atlantic Avenue. The area contains more than 500,000 square feet of mostly street-level retail space.Total Project Cost: $9 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $7.1 millionOther Funding: $1.9 million City Capital FundsConstruction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Winter 2011

Replacement of Protective Coating on Steel Structure of Six Belt/Shore Parkway Bridges

Description: West 125th Street will be reconstructed to improve connections to the regional transportation network and enhance the attractiveness of the West Harlem Piers Park. The improvements include widening sidewalks, enhancing roadway alignments, installing bicycle lanes, street lights and furniture, landscaping, and lighting the number 1 train viaduct at West 125th Street and Broadway and the Riverside Drive viaduct at West 125th Street and 12th Avenue. A transit hub will be created on 12th Avenue, between West 125th Street and St. Claire Place, to facilitate connections between the several modes of transportation present in the area. The project area will encompass West 125th Street between Old Broadway and the Hudson River.Total Project Cost: $32.9 million
Displaced Funding Received: $1.9 millionOther Funding: $24.8 million Federal Funds, $6.2 million City Capital FundsConstruction Bid: Spring 2010Estimated Completion: Fall 2014

Reconstruction of East Houston Street

Description: The project will include reconstruction of the deteriorated roadway from Bowery to FDR Drive; widening of sidewalks, enlarging of medians, installation of new pavement markings and bicycle lanes from Second Avenue to FDR Drive; and creation of two new plaza areas. The project will have a significant benefit for businesses by improving the streetscape, geometry, and road condition to increase foot traffic. Additionally, the two plaza areas created by the project will attract additional pedestrians and generage economic activity in the surrounding area.Total Project Cost: $23.5 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $23.5 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2011

QUEENS

Improvements to Long Island City Queens Plaza – Phase I

Description: The improvements will rationalize the traffic network, enhance the pedestrian environment, improve streetscape elements and create a public plaza. The changes are a component of the transformation of Long Island City, which includes converting the central business district into a major boulevard with new sidewalks and landscaping along Queens Plaza North and South between Northern Boulevard/Jackson Avenue and Vernon Boulevard; continuing the bikeway between 23rd and 21st Streets; and installing new landscaping between 21st Street and the waterfront.Total Project Cost: $60 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $22 millionOther Funding: $18.3 million City Capital Funds, $19.7 million Federal FundsConstruction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Improvements to Long Island City Queens Plaza – Phase II

Description: The project will make streetscape improvements along Queens Plaza North and South between Northern Boulevard/Jackson Avenue and Vernon Boulevard, including new sidewalks, street trees in a continuous trench with cobble and lighting, the continuation of the bikeway between 23rd and 21st Street, and new streetscape between 21st Street and the waterfront.Total Project Cost: $75 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $15 millionOther Funding:$40.3 million City Capital funds, $19.7 million Federal FundsConstruction Bid: Summer 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Reconstruction of Rockaway Boardwalk

Description: Reconstruction of crumbling portions of the deteriorated boardwalk. The current boardwalk is structurally unsound in some areas and constantly requires “band-aid” repairs or partial reconstruction. The reconstruction will be done using sustainable materials that have a lower carbon footprint, lower maintenance costs and reduce future deterioration to unsafe conditions. Reconstruction will take place from Beach 50th to 55th Streets, Beach 77th to 81st Streets, Beach 23rd to 27th Streets, and Beach 44th to Beach 50th Street. Maintaining a state of good repair along the boardwalk will support the rapid increase in new housing and development in the Rockaways and help ensure the health of local tourism and recreation industries.Total Project Cost: $15 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $15 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Spring 2011

Reconstruction of College Point / 32nd Avenue

Description:Reconstruction of 32nd Avenue from Linden Place to College Point Boulevard and replacement of deteriorated concrete on College Point Boulevard from Fowler Avenue to the Whitestone Expressway. The project will bring 32nd Avenue up to commercial loading standards to allow for increased activity, benefiting the heavily commercial and industrial area. The roadway improvements in this vibrant commercial district will make the area even more attractive and encourage more access to and activity in the area.Total Project Cost: $12 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $12 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Fall 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2011

Replacement of Hillside Avenue Sidewalk (Jamaica)

Summary: Replacement of the majority of the existing sidewalks on Hillside Avenue from the Van Wyck Expressway to 191st Street, which are in a dilapidated condition, including landscaping and replacement of existing lamp posts and any damaged curb.Total Project Cost: $10 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $10 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2010

Extension of 132nd Street / Linden Place Extension

Description: 132nd Street will be extended between Linden Place and 20th Avenue (known as the Linden Place Extension) to improve traffic conditions and accommodate anticipated traffic growth from office and industrial development at College Point Corporate Park. The improvements will resurface roadbeds and roadway pavement and install or improve curbs, sidewalks and street lighting.Total Project Cost: $7 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $7 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: Spring 2010Estimated Completion: Winter 2014

Description: Upgrading utility infrastructure and space outfitting to allow for the completion of over 20,000 square feet of retail area in the terminal, which will complete the renovation of the St. George Ferry terminal area, serving 30,000 local residents and over 60,000 riders daily.Total Project Cost: $6 millionDisplaced Funding Received: $6 millionOther Funding: $0Construction Bid: 3/1/2009Estimated Completion: Fall 2009

ALL BOROUGHS

Citywide Sidewalk Repairs

Description:The project will repair sidewalks that are damaged by curbside trees in locations throughout the City. The damaged sidewalks cause inconvenience and safety concerns for property owners, who are responsible for the condition of their sidewalks. The sidewalk repairs, done at no cost to the homeowner, will maximize the strength and durability of the sidewalks, while minimizing the damage to tree roots. One-, two-, and three family homes occupied by the owner are eligible for this program.Total Project Cost:$3.7 millionDisplaced Funding Received:$3.7 millionOther Funding:$0Construction Bid: Spring 2009Estimated Completion: Summer 2010